Youngsters Kandie and Jeruto shine in Baringo races

World Under-18 boys’ 2,000 metres steeplechase silver medallist Cleophas Kandie won junior men’s 8km race during Baringo Athletics Kenya cross country series on Saturday.

Kandie timed 25 minutes and 40.53 seconds to win ahead of Justus Soget who clocked 25:44.39, while Gilbert Kimunyan was third 25:56.78.

Kandie said he is looking forward to representing Kenya in Africa Cross Country Championships in the junior category.

“It is my wish to be in the team that will represent Kenya in Africa Cross Country Championships in March,” the former student of Kirobon High School in Nakuru said.

Girls’ 800m World Under-18 silver medallist Lydia Jeruto won junior women’s 6km race after clocking 22:49.79 ahead of Josephine Wanjiku who clocked 23:15.89. Judy Kogei wound up in third place after she timed 23:53.39.

TRAINS IN BARINGO

Jeruto, who has been training in Torongo, Baringo County, said that she is eyeing a place in Team Kenya which will compete in this year’s Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. She is hoping to represent Kenya in the 1,500m.

“My participation in the cross country races is one way of preparing for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Hopefully, I should seal a place in Kenya’s 1,500m race,” said the budding athlete.

The senior men’s 10km race saw Alfred Barkach win after clocking 32:03.88. Barkach won ahead of World Cross Country bronze medallist Richard Kimunyan who timed 32:10.04 to take second place, while Donald Mitei sealed the podium places in 32:19.50.

In senior women’s 10km category, Gladys Songol emerged the winner after running in 39:01.0. She finished ahead of second-placed Qualyne Jebiwott who timed 39:16.0, while Hellen Matelong settled for third place in 39:54.0.